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What are the alternatives to Trade Shows?

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We know that stockists like to see a product before they buy, they like to ensure that the products they are investing in are good quality.  The big question is ….

“Is there another way for you to get your products SEEN without the time and expense of attending a Trade Show”?

There are lots of advantages to exhibiting at Trade shows as they have long been a staple of the gifting and greeting card world.  They offer an opportunity for companies to showcase their products and services, network with potential clients and suppliers, and keep up with the latest industry trends. However, trade shows can also be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes ineffective. Fortunately, there are alternative options that businesses can explore to reach their target audience. In this blog, we will look at 4 of these options.

Online Trade Shows

Faire & Ankorstore & Creoate are the most well know online wholesale marketplaces out there at the moment.  They all offer an online platform that focuses on clothing, accessories, home goods, and gifting products, with the aim being to help connect retailers with independent brands and makers.   They are a great option for businesses that want to expand their reach and connect with retailers without having to attend a trade show.  Each platform offers a variety of features such as free registration, a dedicated account manager, good payment terms, and a platform where businesses can easily manage their products and orders. 

Email Campaigns

Email campaigns are another option.  They are a cost-effective way for businesses to reach their target audience. Email campaigns can be personalised and targeted to specific demographics, depending on your offering at the time. 

Postal Campaigns

Postal campaigns can be more memorable than email campaigns, they can provide a tangible item that recipients can view in person, access the quality, and get a good idea of how they will fit in their shop alongside their other products. Businesses can use postal campaigns to send samples, promotional materials, or product brochures. 

Personal Phone Calls

Personal phone calls are a more direct and personal way for businesses to connect with potential stockists. Personal phone calls can be used to follow up leads, offer personalised product recommendations/upsell, answer any questions the customers may have and research potential options for the future. The downside is that personal phone calls can be time-consuming, however they offer an opportunity for businesses to build relationships with their customer base and to show that your company can provide excellent customer service.

So in conclusion, trade shows although valuable are not the only way for businesses to connect with potential clients or customers. There are many alternative options that businesses can explore, it may mean that you just sit back, think and get creative.  If you only ever market your products at Trade Shows, then you may want to think about mixing it up a bit.  Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should choose the option that best suits your needs and budget best.



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